Happening on the Hill

Trinity's “Miracle Play” Scores $100,000 Pontiac Scholarship
By James Hill

Trinity fans were beaming with pride during the Tiger basketball games on Feb. 2 with arch rival DePauw University as the annual Campus of Champions event unfolded for prospective student-athletes.

Tiger fans were especially proud – and loud – during halftime of the men’s game when President John R. Brazil accepted a $100,000 check for the University’s general scholarship fund from Bobby Cavender of the Cavender Auto Group.

It all focused on Trinity football’s “Miracle Play,” which was named the “Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.” Mr. Cavender, representing Pontiac, President Brazil, Athletic Director Bob King, head football Coach Steve Mohr, and the Tiger team gathered at mid-court in Sams Gym for the presentation ceremony.

Trinity was announced as the nationwide winner – after weeks of fan voting – on Jan. 7 during the Fox Sports Network’s telecast of the Bowl Championship Series Championship Game between Louisiana State University and Ohio State University.

The Trinity play occurred in Jackson, Miss., last Oct. 27 as the Tigers beat the host Millsaps College Majors 28-24. Trinity won the game with a 60-yard play – including 15 laterals – before junior wide receiver Riley Curry crossed the goal line for the victory with no time on the clock. The crucial win kept the Tigers in the race for the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title, which Trinity later shared with Millsaps.

Time magazine named the Trinity play as the “No. 1 Sports Moment of 2007.” The team also was recognized at halftime during a San Antonio Spurs game in February.

But, back to halftime at Sams Gym.

The weekend was part of a massive recruiting effort by all Trinity sports known as “Campus of Champion.” Prospective student-athletes visited campus for tours and question-and-answer sessions with student-athletes, faculty, and staff. It concluded with a Mardi Gras-style all-campus get-together in Webster Sports Forum.

In addition, the fall sports teams were recognized for their accomplishments: women’s cross country, women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s soccer, and, of course, football.